On The Fly: Closing WrapStocks on Wall Street were lower for the day, but still rose for the week and the month of February. The market moved in a narrow range for most of today's session despite a host of economic reports that were released earlier in the day. In spite of today's modest declines, the market put the finishing touches on one of its best months ever, with the Dow and S&P posting their best monthly rises since October 2011 and the Nasdaq notching its best month since 1998. ECONOMIC EVENTS: In the U.S., the Commerce Department estimated GDP grew at an annual rate of 2.2% in the last quarter of 2014, which is weaker than the 2.6% rate first estimated last month, but above the consensus forecast for the GDP growth rate to be cut to 2%. The Chicago PMI fell 13.6 points to 45.8 in February, which was much worse than the expected reading of 58.0. The University of Michigan consumer sentiment final February print came in at 95.4, which is a little better that the 93.6 preliminary February print and above the consensus forecast for a 94.0 reading. The pending home sales index bounced 1.7% to 104.2 in January, versus expectations for it to be up 2%. COMPANY NEWS: Two notable retailers moved in opposite directions following their quarterly reports, as Gap (GPS) rose and J.C. Penney fell. Gap gained $1.23, or 3.05%, to $41.60 after the company reported fourth quarter earnings that beat expectations. The owner of Old Navy, Banana Republic and its flagship nameplate also announced a $1B share repurchase program and plans to increase its dividend. J.C. Penney, meanwhile, reported earnings that missed expectations and gave a 2015 gross margin outlook that disappointed some analysts and its shares slid 62c, or 6.8%, to $8.50. MAJOR MOVERS: Among the notable gainers was Monster Beverage (MNST), which jumped $16.38, or 13.13%, to $141.12 after the energy drink maker's fourth quarter results surpassed analystsí consensus estimates and announced plans to expand distribution with Coca-Cola (KO) bottlers into additional territories. Among the noteworthy losers was Weight Watchers (WTW), which dropped $6.23, or 35.48%, to $11.33 after reporting lower than expected quarterly revenues and issuing a worse than expected profit forecast for its new fiscal year. Also lower were shares of Southwestern Energy (SWN), which fell $1.27, or 4.82%, to $25.08 after becoming the latest oil production company to lower its 2015 capital expenditure forecast. INDEXES: The Dow fell 81.72, or 0.45%, to 18,132.70, the Nasdaq lost 24.36, or 0.49%, to 4,963.53, and the S&P 500 declined 6.24, or 0.3%, to 2,104.50.

Monster Beverage, Coca-Cola expand distribution agreementIn August 2014, Monster Beverage (MNST) and Coca-Cola (KO) entered into definitive agreements for a long-term strategic partnership to accelerate growth for both companies in the global energy drink category. Under the agreements, Coca-Cola will acquire an approximate 16.7% ownership interest in Monster and will transfer ownership of its worldwide energy business to Monster, which, in turn, will transfer its non-energy business to Coca-Cola. Monster and Coca-Cola will amend their current distribution coordination agreements to expand distribution with Coca-Cola bottlers into additional territories. Upon closing, Coca-Cola will become Monster's preferred distribution partner globally, and Monster will become Coca-Cola exclusive energy play. The transaction, which is subject to customary closing conditions, is expected to close in Q2.